Yeah right decision missing RG. He would have had to get through 4 matches just to get 360 ranking points - so not worth it. But, more importantly, does anyone know if he's started practicing on grass or is he just resting? - suppose he has another 2+ weeks before Queens

I doubt we'll hear what he's doing right now but I expect resting will be a big part of it probably along with physio and gentle specific physical exercises. Hopefully he'll also be keeping his pilates going to help his core strength.

The more I think about it though the more I'm convinced that Andy will be fit in time for the green stuff. He did after all say that it had been a tough decision to make to withdraw, which does suggest he was given options to consider as opposed to having been told explicitly not to play. Hope I'm right.

My understanding from what I read was that he'd be having treatment and resting to begin with and would start work on the grass as soon as he is fit to do so. But he could hardly do so yet, even if he were ready, as it wouldn't look very good having just withdrawn from RG. If he was in Bristol yesterday to see a specialist, after he'd announced the decision, suggests a special specialist treating him and one that can't be accessed in London.

Re: Andy practising on grass - who knows maybe he'll start in a few days maybe he'll leave it till a couple days before Queens? maybe he will miss Queens altogeter and just prepare for Wimby! No-one knows, but caution is definately better here he needs to rest as much as he can.

My understanding from what I read was that he'd be having treatment and resting to begin with and would start work on the grass as soon as he is fit to do so. But he could hardly do so yet, even if he were ready, as it wouldn't look very good having just withdrawn from RG. If he was in Bristol yesterday to see a specialist, after he'd announced the decision, suggests a special specialist treating him and one that can't be accessed in London.

Ruthie - Andy announced his decision after he saw the specialist in Bristol [see dani@04:36pm on Wednesday], which suggests that he was seeking a second opinion before finally making up his mind.

I think we all should be grateful that Andy is getting proper treatment for his back. This best thing to do in the long term.

I'm sure we all are rob, and if he has to miss Wimbledon too then so be it, although it'll be hugely disappointing and frustrating for him, but if by doing so it means continuing his career as pain free as possible from his back then it has to be worth it.

Ruthie - Andy announced his decision after he saw the specialist in Bristol [see dani@04:36pm on Wednesday], which suggests that he was seeking a second opinion before finally making up his mind.

Thanks Aileen but what I read in Independent suggested a different chronology ie that he was in Bristol after he'd made the announcement. That could have been a mistake or perhaps he'd returned for treatment?

Glad you mention Sam Smith In my opinion she is the best female commentator around Why is she never employed to cover Wimbledon?

She is, I think she tends to do more of the matches on the outside courts. I think the only comms we hear regularly on Sky and Eurosport that would not then end up doing Wimbledon are Frew Macmillan and Mats Wilander. All the rest, pretty much, will do Wimbledon.

I think we all should be grateful that Andy is getting proper treatment for his back. This best thing to do in the long term.

I'm sure we all agree with that. If the worst came to the worst and Andy was forced to miss Wimbles I'd be more disappointed for him than anything, because I truly believe he has such a chance this year. However, it's what is best down the line that matters. If missing RG now, and maybe Wimbles too, gives Andy time to get better and gives him a longer career at the end of the day, so be it.

That said, I have my fingers crossed for Andy and his chance of playing SW19. The general consensus appears to be that withdrawing from RG was right and should give him time to be ready for SW19.

As for what Andy is doing, I suppose he can't jump in to practice right on the back of pulling out of RG. It would look odd. I bet he can't wait to get back to it though. I bet that while we are watching some of RG Andy will be working on some things.

In a way I'm glad Queen's is before Wimbles. If Andy was to go in to Queen's a bit rusty it wouldn't worry me too much. Winning would be nice, but he doesn't need Queen's to prove himself. All I think Queen's would help with is getting him match sharp for Wimbledon.

Usually I like very much these days before a slam:looking at the pre-tournament interviews (although they are always the same every player likes every slam very much and don't want too look too far, match by match etc) , discuss the draw on MW (and find out dat Fed is always lucky), checking my agenda to find out how to see as much as possible with work, family etc, and looking forward to all the matches and the exitement to see them...Not this time